Diana Galligan’s shoot days are done!

Posted: February 3rd, 2009 | Author: Diana Galligan | Filed under: Production | No Comments »

After shooting my two locations, I’m logging the footage tonight. It’s beautiful and wild, with so many twists and turns to the story. The story could go any direction right now because there is so much to work from.

This was like discovering a language of filming improvised scenes. With only an outline of the story, I didn’t know who would speak, nor in what order. I tried to plan the shots to make sure I catch the funny and the character reactions, and crossed my fingers that I’d get it. It was a creative leap of faith.

In my first location, a firepit I created in the backyard, the camera had only a couple of places it could sit because the backyard is so darn thin. Liz McEachern, Bob McGill and Alex Shroen were sitting outside in -18C around a fire.  I used a master shot, then a few cheated angles which I hope work out, but they look darn good. I used only the fire to light the shot, which was fantastic and blastingly bright. I really like the look of actual fire light flickering their faces.

The second location was easier because it was indoors at my work, Warne Marketing, which my boss graciously agreed to let me use for the weekend. Thanks to Peter Ivaskiv and Nelia Amaro crewing. Both were stepped up after I put up a status message on Facebook, asking for a PA for the shoot. Both went above and beyond, with Peter bringing tools, flashlights and his own camera, even. I think I owe him my first born. Sorry Simon! Nelia brought continuity, location set up,  and a great sense of fun.

Carly Heffernan, Crystal Koskinen, Kevin Matviw, Shaista Latif and Liz McEachern were the actors on that shoot day, and barring a few sound issues the video looks amazing.

The hardest part about shooting improvised video so far has been trying not to laugh out loud, since the mic would pick up my snickering and guffaws. On both locations, I was holding my breath and biting my hand (or mitt when I was outside) to keep the laugher in until I could finally call cut!

Next up is the editing, which I’ll be mixing film shot from Peter’s camera (720b) and mine (1081i) both HD. Okay, it’s Simon’s camera. Thanks to him, too. He didn’t take it to LA with him on his trip.

Production stills…

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